The victorious team from SRM University-AP, celebrating their remarkable triumph at the South Zone Inter-University Badminton (Men) Tournament.
The SRM University-AP team showcased exceptional sportsmanship and skill, emerging as the champions of the South Zone Inter-University Badminton (Men) Tournament. This prestigious event, organized by the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), took place from October 26 to 29 and was conducted under the auspices of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
With their astounding performance, the SRM team has now qualified to compete at the All India Inter-University Level event, setting the stage for greater challenges ahead. The tournament saw participation from talented athletes representing 120 universities across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana, highlighting the competitive landscape of university badminton in the region. The SRM team, which included standout players Tummala Venkata Sai Harshit, Kothapalli Satyanarayana, V.V. Sri Mohith, Inturi Varshit Sri Sai, Aanupoju Charan Ganesh, Numair Shaik, Tirupathi Rushendra, and Sai Manish Gollapalli, delivered a series of impressive performances over six demanding matches held over three consecutive days.
In a fiercely contested tournament, the SRMIST team claimed the second place, while MG University from Kerala secured third, and Andhra University of Andhra Pradesh took fourth position, all qualifying for the upcoming All India Inter-University Competition set to be held in Rajasthan.
Tirupathi Rushendra, leading the SRM University-A.P. team, captained them to victory, securing the coveted cup for the first time in the storied history of the South Zone Inter-University Badminton Men’s Championship.
In a show of pride and gratitude, pro-chancellor of SRM University-AP P. Satyanarayanan, vice-chancellor Manoj K. Arora, and sports director Dhiraj Parasher offered their heartfelt congratulations to the triumphant team members. The victorious athletes expressed their sincere appreciation to the university management and their dedicated coach Firoz for the unwavering support they received throughout their journey.
Published – November 01, 2024 11:37 pm IST
SRM Sports director
**Interview with Dr. R. Mohanakrishnan, Director of Sports at SRM IST**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Mohanakrishnan. The South Zone Inter-University Badminton (Men) Tournament just concluded, and SRM University-AP has been crowned champions. How do you feel about this remarkable achievement?
**Dr. Mohanakrishnan:** Thank you for having me. I am incredibly proud of the SRM University-AP team. Their victory is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and exceptional skill on the badminton court. It’s always rewarding to see our students excel in such competitive environments, and their sportsmanship throughout the tournament was commendable.
**Interviewer:** What can you tell us about the significance of this tournament?
**Dr. Mohanakrishnan:** The South Zone Inter-University Badminton Tournament holds immense significance as it brings together the best talents from across the southern states of India. Organized under the auspices of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), it serves as a platform for students to showcase their skills, promote sportsmanship, and foster camaraderie among universities. This year, we had a fantastic turnout and the competition was fierce.
**Interviewer:** What preparations did the team undergo leading up to the tournament?
**Dr. Mohanakrishnan:** Our team underwent extensive training and preparation for weeks prior to the tournament. We had a series of practice matches, fitness training, and strategic sessions. Our coaching staff played a pivotal role in refining the players’ techniques and tactics, ensuring they were well-prepared for the challenges they faced during the event.
**Interviewer:** What message do you have for the players from SRM University-AP after their victory?
**Dr. Mohanakrishnan:** I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the team! This victory is a reflection of their commitment and perseverance. I encourage them to continue to strive for excellence and to remember that sports teach us invaluable life lessons, including teamwork and resilience.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, are there plans for future tournaments or events organized by SRMIST?
**Dr. R. Mohanakrishnan:** Absolutely! We are committed to promoting sports at our institution. We have various events lined up for the coming months, and we are also looking at more inter-university competitions to give our students platforms to shine. Our goal is to nurture talent and encourage a vibrant sports culture here at SRMIST.
**Interviewer:** Thank you once again, Dr. Mohanakrishnan. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you, and congratulations again to SRM University-AP for their impressive win!
**Dr. Mohanakrishnan:** Thank you! It has been a pleasure to share this exciting moment.